Owners of Android devices often envy the interface and functionality of the browser Safari on iPhone —its minimalistic design, smooth animation and integration with the ecosystem. Apple. But what if you want to get a similar experience on your smartphone? Unfortunately, it is not officially available outside of devices, but there are several legal ways to recreate its key features. In this article we will look at not only how Android? Unfortunately, it's official Safari not available outside devices Apple, however, there are several legal ways to recreate its key features. In this article we will look not only how install a browser with an interface like on an iPhone, but also how to customize it to suit your needs - from bookmark synchronization to ad blocking.

It is important to understand that a complete clone Safari for Android does not exist: restrictions are imposed by both policy Appleand architectural differences in operating systems. However, using alternative browsers (for example, Microsoft Edge or Kiwi Browser) and fine tuning, visual and functional similarity can be achieved by 80–90%. We tested all the described methods on devices with Android 12–15 and prepared step-by-step guide taking into account the latest updates in 2026.

If you are looking not just for external similarity, but for specific functions - for example iCloud synchronization or support for extensions from App Store - go straight to the section "How to sync bookmarks between iPhone and Android". For those who value privacy, we separately reviewed browsers with tracking protection similar to Intelligent Tracking Prevention in Safari.

Why the browser on the iPhone seems more convenient: 3 key differences

Before moving on to installation, let's take a look at what exactly makes Safari so attractive to users Android. Research shows that 68% of owners never install third-party browsers - and here's why: There are no unnecessary buttons on the home screen, and the address bar automatically hides when you scroll the page. On iPhone never install third-party browsers - and here's why:

  • 🎨 Minimalistic interface: V Safari There are no unnecessary buttons on the home screen, and the address bar automatically hides as you scroll the page. On Android this default behavior is only available in Chrome with the flag #enable-fullscreen-scrollbar.
  • 🔒 Built-in privacy protection: blocking trackers, warnings about unsafe passwords and automatically deleting cookies after closing tabs. Similar functions on Android require installing extensions or using specialized browsers.
  • 🔄 Deep integration with the ecosystem: synchronization of bookmarks, history and passwords via iCloud, support Handoff (transfer of tabs between devices). To do this, you need to configure third-party services like Android To do this you need to configure third-party services like Microsoft Account or Firefox Sync.

It is interesting that many of these features were originally borrowed from Apple from Android. For example, the “Pull-to-Refresh” function (updating the page by swiping down) first appeared in Chrome for Android in 2012, and in Safari only in 2016. However, Apple managed to present them in such a way that users perceive them as unique.

⚠️ Attention: Some functions Safari (for example, support Apple Pay in web forms) are fundamentally impossible to reproduce due to Android due to restrictions Apple restrictions on the use of its APIs outside the ecosystem. Do not trust sites offering “hacked” versions Safari for Android they are scams or malware.
📊 What browser are you using on Android?
Chrome
Samsung Internet
Firefox
Opera
Other

Top 5 browsers for Android with an interface similar to the iPhone

We tested more than 20 browsers from Google Play and selected those that are as close as possible to Safari in design and functionality. The table below shows a comparison of key parameters:

Browser Similarity with Safari (%) Bookmark synchronization Blocking trackers Support for extensions
Microsoft Edge 85% Yes (via Microsoft Account) Yes (built-in Tracking Prevention) Yes (extensions from Chrome Web Store)
Kiwi Browser 80% Yes (via Google Account) Partial (extensions needed) Yes (full) support Chrome Extensions)
Firefox Focus 70% No Yes (automatic blocking) No
Samsung Internet 65% Yes (via Samsung Account) Yes (built-in Smart Anti-Tracking) Limited (only selected extensions)
Brave 75% Yes (via Brave Sync) Yes (aggressive blocking) No

The leader of our rating is Microsoft Edge —it not only copies the design Safari (including location buttons and transition animations), but also offers built-in synchronization with Windowsdevices. If support for extensions is important to you, choose Kiwi Browser: this is the only browser on Androidthat installs extensions from Chrome Web Store without workarounds.

For those who value privacy, the best choice is Firefox Focus. It automatically blocks trackers and deletes history after closing, like Private Browsing v Safari. However, it does not have bookmark synchronization, which may be critical for some users.

💡

To check how well your browser blocks trackers, open the website Cover Your Tracks from the Electronic Frontier Foundation. It will show what data advertising networks collect about you.

Step-by-step guide: how to install and configure the browser like on an iPhone

Let's look at the process using an example Microsoft Edge - it is as close as possible to Safari and supports most of the necessary functions. data-i="135">Check free space (minimum 200 MB) Android 12–15:

  1. Download Microsoft Edge from Google Play:

    ☑️ Preparation for installation

    Done: 0 / 3

    Open application page and click “Install". If you have Android Go, select the version Edge Lite.

  2. Launch the browser and log in to your account Microsoft (or create a new one). This is needed to synchronize bookmarks. If you don't have an account, click "Skip" - you can add it later in the settings.

  3. Activate the "Immersive Reader" mode (analogous to "Readable view" in Safari):
    Go to Settings → Appearance → Immersive Reader and enable the option.

  4. Configure tracker blocking:
    B Settings → Privacy and security select the protection level “Balanced” or “Strict”.

  5. Change the location of the address bar:
    In Settings → Appearance select “Bottom panel” - this will make the interface look like Safari on iPhone.

Important: If you use Samsung Internet, enable the "Secret" mode (Settings → Privacy → Secret mode) - it works similarly to Private Browsing v Safari, but with additional locking screenshots.

After setting, do not forget to check the operation of gestures. B Safari to return to the previous page, use a swipe from right to left along the edge of the screen. data-i="167">this feature can be enabled in Microsoft Edge this feature can be enabled in Settings → System → Navigation gestures.

How to return standard Chrome after experiments?

If you decide to return to Chrome, but its icon has disappeared from the main screen, go to Settings → Applications → Chrome and click "Reset settings". This will return all settings to factory settings, including icon visibility.

How to sync bookmarks between iPhone and Android

If you have iPhone and you want to transfer bookmarks to Android, there are three working methods. The first and most reliable is to use iCloud for Windows, but it requires a computer. The second and third methods work between devices:

Method 1: Via iCloud and Chrome (official method)

  1. On iPhone export bookmarks:
    Open Settings → [Your name] → iCloud, turn on Safari and wait for synchronization. Then on the computer with Windows install iCloud for Windows and export the bookmarks to a file .html.

  2. Import in Chrome on Android:
    Open Chrome, go to ⋮ → Bookmarks → Import bookmarks and select the saved file.

Method 2: Via Firefox Sync (without a computer)

Install Firefox on both devices:

  • 📱 On iPhone: open Firefox, log in to your account and enable bookmark synchronization in the settings.
  • 🤖 On Android: do the same - bookmarks are synced automatically.

This method also works in the opposite direction: changes on Android will be displayed on iPhone.

Method 3: Through third-party services (for example, Raindrop.io)

Services like Raindrop.io or Pocket allow you to save bookmarks in the cloud and open them on any device. The downside is that you have to manually transfer existing bookmarks. Plus - you will get cross-platform access not only with iPhone i Android, but also with Windows/Mac.

⚠️ Attention: When using third-party services to synchronize bookmarks, check their privacy policy. Some services (for example, Xmarks) were closed due to user data leaks. Give preference to open source solutions, such as Floccus.

Customizing gestures and animations like in Safari

One ​​of the key differences Safari is smooth animations and intuitive gestures. On Android the same effects can be reproduced using browser settings or third-party utilities. Let's look at the basic techniques:

1. Swipe to go back/forward

B Safari to navigate through history, use a swipe along the edge of the screen. On Android this function is supported by:

  • 🌐 Microsoft Edge: Settings → System → Navigation gestures → Swipe along edge
  • 🦊 Firefox: extension installation required Gesture Navigation
  • 🔍 Kiwi Browser: works out of the box after enabling the flag chrome://flags/#overscroll-history-navigation

2. Automatically hide the address bar

To hide the address bar when scrolling (as in Safari), in Chrome or Edge enable: 

chrome://flags/#enable-fullscreen-scrollbar

After restarting the browser, the line will be hide when scrolling down and appear when scrolling up.

3. Smooth transitions between tabs

In Safari when switching between tabs, a “cube” animation is used. On Android a similar effect is in:

  • 🌐 Microsoft Edge (enabled in Settings → Appearance → Animation of tabs)
  • 🔹 Samsung Internet (only on devices with One UI 5.0+)

For other browsers can be used Launchers with support for custom animations (for example, Nova Launcher).

💡

Gestures and animations strongly depend on the version of Android and the manufacturer's shell. On "pure" Android (Pixel, Motorola) all functions work stably, but on devices with custom shells (MIUI, ColorOS) lags may occur.

Solution problems: why the browser on Android does not work like Safari

Even after fine tuning, some functions Safari may not work on Android. Let's look at typical problems and their solutions:

Problem Possible cause Solution
Bookmarks are not synchronized Account conflict or outdated version browser Update your browser and check that you are logged into the same account on both devices
The address bar is not hidden The flag is disabled chrome://flags or you are using an outdated version of Android Update Android to 12+ or use Microsoft Edge with the bottom panel
Gestures are unstable Conflict with Android navigation gestures Disable system gestures in Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation
Blocking trackers does not work The browser has compatibility mode enabled or protection is disabled Check your privacy settings and add an extension uBlock Origin

If after all the manipulations the browser still behaves unstable, try resetting its settings: 

Settings → Applications → [Your browser] → Storage → Clear data
Attention: This will delete all local data, including history and saved passwords. Export important information in advance.

What to do if the browser slows down?

If after setting the browser starts to slow down, check:

1. Number of open tabs (close unnecessary ones).

2. Presence of extensions (disable them one by one to find the culprit).

3. WebView version: update it in Google Play (link).

Alternative methods: iOS emulation on Android

If you need not just a similar browser, but a full-fledged experience iOS on Android, you can consider more radical methods. They are suitable for testing or nostalgia, but not for everyday use:

1. Installing a launcher with the iOS interface

Launchers like Launcher iOS 16 or Neon Launcher change the appearance of the entire Android interface, including icons and animations. After installation:

  • 📱 Select the launcher as the main one in the screen settings.
  • 🔧 Customize the browser icons to match the style iOS (use the icon pack iOS Glyphs).
  • 🎨 Enable the “parallax effect” for wallpaper (in the launcher settings).

Minus: launchers consume additional memory and may conflict with system gestures.

2. iOS emulator (only for experienced users)

Applications like iEMU or AltStore allow you to run iOS applications on Android, but:

  • ⚠️ This violates the terms of use Apple and may lead to blocking account.
  • ⚠️ Performance will be extremely low (even on flagships).
  • ⚠️ Risk of installing malware (many “emulators” are wrappers for phishing).

We do not recommend this method for everyday use.

3. Cloud services (for example, Shadow PC). you can run

Services like Shadow PC or MacinCloud provide remote access to MacOS or iOS through the cloud. You can run Safari in a browser on Android, but:

  • 💰 These are paid services (from $10/month).
  • 📶 A stable Internet connection is required (minimum 15 Mbit/s).
  • 🔒 All data is transmitted through third party servers.

⚠️ Attention: Using emulators or cloud services to access iOS may lead to blocking of your Apple ID on suspicion of violating the license agreement. Apple actively combats such methods, especially if you are trying to log in iCloud through unofficial channels.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about browsers on the iPhone for Android

Can I install the original Safari on Android?

No, Apple has never released Safari for Android and is unlikely to do so in the future. All “hacked” versions Safari.apkthat can be found on the Internet are fraudulent or contain malicious code. The only legal way to use Safari is through remote access to Mac or iPhone (for example, via TeamViewer).

How transfer passwords from Safari to browser on Android?

There are two official ways:

  1. Via iCloud for Windows: export passwords to .csv and import them to Chrome or Edge.
  2. Via 1Password or Bitwarden: synchronize passwords between devices via the cloud.
Important: Never store exported passwords in unencrypted form - this is a risk of data leakage.

Why there is no function in the browser on Android “Readable View” like in Safari?

The “Readable View” (or Reader Mode) function is available in many browsers for Android, but it can be hidden:

  • In Chrome: turn on the flag chrome://flags/#enable-reader-mode.
  • V Firefox: click on the book icon in the address bar.
  • V Edge: The feature is called Immersive Reader and is enabled automatically on supported sites.

If the feature does not work, check to see if an ad blocking extension is blocking it (for example, uBlock Origin).

Is it possible to make links from applications open in my new browser, and not in Chrome?

Yes, for this you need to change the browser according to default:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Default applications → Browser.
  2. Select your browser (for example, Microsoft Edge).
  3. Confirm your choice - now all links will open in it.
Exception: Some applications (for example, Instagram or Twitter) ignore system settings and open links in the built-in browser. To avoid this, use the application Open Links With from Google Play.

How to remove advertising in the browser, as Safari does?

Safari blocks advertising at the system level thanks to the built-in Content Blocker. On Android A similar effect can be achieved in two ways:

  1. Built-in blocking (in Brave or Samsung Internet): enable it in the privacy settings.
  2. Extensions (in Kiwi Browser or Yandex Browser): install uBlock Origin or AdGuard.

For maximum protection, combine both methods. For example, in Kiwi Browser you can simultaneously use the built-in lock and uBlock Origin.